Vegan Żurek (Sour Rye Soup)

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup Rye flour
• 4 cups Warm water
• 6 cups Vegetable broth
• 2 medium Potatoes
• 1 medium Onion
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1 teaspoon Dried marjoram
• 2 leaves Bay leaf
• 0.5 cup Plant-based sour cream
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper

Instructions

1. 1To prepare the sour rye starter, combine the 0.5 cup of rye flour with the 4 cups of warm water in a clean 1-quart (1-liter) jar. Stir thoroughly until well mixed. Cover the jar loosely with a lid or cloth to allow air circulation, then let it ferment at room temperature (68-75°F / 20-24°C) for 3 to 5 days, stirring once daily; the starter is ready when it develops a distinct sour aroma and small bubbles appear.
2. 2Peel the 2 medium potatoes and cut them into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) cubes. Peel the 1 medium onion and chop it into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) pieces. Peel and finely mince the 3 cloves of garlic. In a large heavy-bottomed pot (at least 6-quart / 6-liter capacity), bring the 6 cups of vegetable broth to a rolling boil over high heat (212°F / 100°C), then add the diced 2 medium potatoes, chopped 1 medium onion, and minced 3 cloves of garlic.
3. 3Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer (190-200°F / 88-93°C). Add the 1 teaspoon of dried marjoram and the 2 bay leaves to the pot. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potato cubes are tender when easily pierced with a fork.
4. 4Carefully pour the fermented sour rye starter through a fine-mesh sieve directly into the pot, pressing any solids in the sieve to extract all liquid, then discard the remaining solids. Stir the soup well to fully incorporate the starter.
5. 5Continue to simmer the soup over medium-low heat for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup slightly thickens. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the 0.5 cup of plant-based sour cream until it is fully combined. Season the soup with the 1 teaspoon of salt and the 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, stirring to distribute evenly.
6. 6Serve the Vegan Żurek hot immediately.

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